Bayelsa State, located in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta, is predominantly inhabited by the Ijaw ethnic group. Over the years, several Ijaw individuals and families from Bayelsa have amassed significant wealth through ventures in politics, oil and gas, entertainment, and other sectors. As of 2025, here are ten of the wealthiest Ijaw families in Bayelsa State:
1. Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless
- Estimated Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed
- Industries: Oil and Gas, Aviation, Power Generation, Dredging
- Overview: Dr. Eruani is the founder and CEO of the Azikel Group, which encompasses subsidiaries like Azikel Petroleum, Azikel Air, Azikel Power, and Azikel Dredging. Notably, Azikel Petroleum is developing Nigeria's first private hydroskimming refinery in Bayelsa State. His contributions to industrialization in the region have been widely recognized.
2. Ben Murray-Bruce
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $200 million
- Industries: Media, Entertainment, Politics
- Overview: Ben Murray-Bruce is the founder of Silverbird Group, a conglomerate with interests in radio, television, and cinemas across Nigeria. He has also served as a senator representing Bayelsa East.
3. Goodluck Jonathan
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $20 million
- Industries: Politics, Diplomacy
- Overview: Dr. Goodluck Jonathan served as Nigeria's President from 2010 to 2015. Before that, he was the Governor of Bayelsa State and Vice President of Nigeria. Post-presidency, he has been involved in various diplomatic and peacekeeping missions across Africa.
4. Timipre Sylva
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $50 million
- Industries: Oil and Gas, Politics
- Overview: Timipre Sylva is a former Governor of Bayelsa State and has served as Nigeria's Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. His involvement in the oil sector has significantly contributed to his wealth.
5. Timi Alaibe
- Estimated Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed
- Industries: Oil and Gas, Finance, Politics
- Overview: Timi Alaibe is a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and has held various positions in the banking and oil sectors. He is known for his contributions to the economic development of the Niger Delta region.
6. David Lyon
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $30 million
- Industries: Oil and Gas, Politics
- Overview: David Lyon is a businessman with significant investments in the oil sector. He was elected Governor of Bayelsa State in 2019, but his election was annulled before inauguration.
7. Edmund Daukoru
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $50 million
- Industries: Oil and Gas, Traditional Leadership
- Overview: Edmund Daukoru is a former Minister of Petroleum Resources and served as Secretary-General of OPEC in 2006. He is also the traditional ruler (Amayanabo) of Nembe Kingdom in Bayelsa State.
8. Heineken Lokpobiri
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $20 million
- Industries: Politics, Law
- Overview: Heineken Lokpobiri has served as Nigeria's Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development and was a senator representing Bayelsa West. He is also a legal practitioner with interests in environmental law.
9. Chief Francis Doukpola
- Estimated Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed
- Industries: Oil and Gas, Real Estate, Agriculture
- Overview: Chief Francis Doukpola is a respected businessman and traditional leader in Bayelsa State. His investments span oil and gas, real estate, and agriculture.
10. Azibola Robert
- Estimated Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed
- Industries: Construction, Oil and Gas, Agriculture
- Overview: Azibola Robert is the founder of Kakatar Group, a construction and engineering company operating across Nigeria. His business interests also extend to oil and gas, as well as agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is the richest Ijaw individual in Bayelsa State as of 2025?
A: Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless is considered one of the wealthiest Ijaw individuals in Bayelsa State, primarily due to his extensive business ventures in oil and gas, aviation, and power generation through the Azikel Group.
Q2: How did Ben Murray-Bruce accumulate his wealth?
A: Ben Murray-Bruce amassed his wealth through the Silverbird Group, which operates in the media.
Q3: Are all the richest families in Bayelsa involved in oil and gas?
A: While oil and gas play a major role in the wealth of many Ijaw families, some have diversified into sectors like media, politics, agriculture, real estate, and construction.
Q4: Do these families contribute to local development in Bayelsa?
A: Yes, many of these wealthy families invest in community development through philanthropy, job creation, infrastructure projects, and youth empowerment initiatives.
Conclusion
The Ijaw billionaires and richest families in Bayelsa State have made their mark through entrepreneurship, politics, and oil-driven ventures. As of 2025, they not only symbolize wealth but also influence development and leadership in the Niger Delta region.
